International Federation of Accountants "Education for Auditors International Tendencies

Transcription

1 International Federation of Accountants "Education for Auditors International Tendencies H.C. Krogh (IAESB member) PricewaterhouseCoopers Foreningen af Statsautoriserede Revisorer (FSR) Copenhagen, Denmark September 4, 2009

2 Presentation Outline About IFAC & IAESB International Education Pronouncements International Education Standard 8

3 About IFAC & IAESB IFAC Today Expanding network of 157 member bodies in 123 countries, representing 2.5 million accountants The IAESB is one of 4 standard-setting setting bodies designated by, and operating independently under the auspices of IFAC.

4 About IFAC & IAESB IFAC s Mission: To serve the public interest, strengthen the worldwide accountancy profession and contribute to the development of strong international economies:

5 About IFAC & IAESB IFAC s Mission (Continued) Establish and promote adherence to high quality professional standards; Further the international convergence of such standards; and Speak out on public interest issues where the profession s s voice is most relevant.

6 About IFAC & IAESB International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB) Develops standards and guidance for education and development of professional accountants Transparency in standard-setting setting process Members include practicing accountants, academics, representatives from business, the forum of firms and the public Consultative Advisory Group Overseen by Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB)

7 About IFAC & IAESB The IAESB s objective is to serve the public interest by: Establishing a series of internationally relevant standards and other pronouncements reflecting good practice in the learning, development and assessment of professional accountants; Developing education benchmarks for measuring the implementation of the International Education Standards; ; and Advancing international debate on emerging issues relating to the learning, development and assessment of professional accountants.

8 International Education Pronouncements Types of Pronouncements: Standards International Education Standards (IESs( IESs) Guidance International Education Practice Statements (IEPSs( IEPSs) Information International Education Information Papers (IEIPs( IEIPs) Additional Support Material (e.g., tool kits)

9 International Education Standards A set of interlinked Standards covering preand post-qualification that: Provide a global framework for education Prescribe the range of professional knowledge, professional skills, professional values, ethics and attitudes required Instill an attitude of lifelong learning Provide a foundation for the application of professional and technical standards

10 International Education Standards Focus of Education Standards: Entry Requirements IES 1, Entry Requirements to a Program of Professional Accounting Education (equivalent to university degree program) Content IES 2, Content of Professional Accounting Education Programs (pre-qualification, least two year full time, degree in accounting)

11 Focus of Education Standards (continued): IES 3, Professional Skills & General Education (eg( technical skills and personal skills, broad general education) IES 4, Professional Values, Ethics and Attitudes (framework in education of professional accounts) Practical Experience IES 5, Practical Experience Requirements (part of pre-qualification program, minimum 3 years, requirement for a mentor)

12 International Education Standards Focus of Education Standards (continued): Assessment IES 6, Assessment of Professional Capabilities and Competence Continuing Professional Development IES 7, Continuing Professional Development : A Program of Lifelong Learning and Continuing Development of Professional Competence (min. 120 hours in each rolling 3 years period). Specializations IES 8, Competence Requirements for Audit Professionals

13 Other IAESB Pronouncements International Education Practice Statements Assist in the implementation of generally accepted good practice in the learning, development, and assessment of professional accountants. IEPS 1, Approaches To Developing And Maintaining Professional Values, Ethics, And Attitudes (October 2007) IEPS 2, IT for Accounting Professionals (October 2007) IEPS 3, Practical Experience Requirements- Initial Professional Development For Professional Accountants (December 2007)

14 Information Papers Other IAESB Pronouncements Promote discussion or debate on education and development issues affecting the accountancy profession Approaches to the Development and Maintenance of Professional Values, Ethics and Attitudes in Accounting Education Programs Approaches to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Measurement International Education Papers IEP 1 Recognition of Pre-Certification Education IEP 2 Towards Competent Professional Accountants IEP 3 Assessment Methods Tool Kits Ethics Education

15 International Education Standard 8 IES 8 - Competence Requirements for Audit Professionals Audit professional a professional accountant who has responsibility, or has been delegated responsibility, for significant judgments in an audit of historical financial information. Applies to ALL audit professionals effective date 1 st July 2008.

16 International Education Standard 8 Knowledge and Skills Requirements: Qualify as a professional accountant Hold undergraduate degree or equivalent Advanced level knowledge audit of historical financial information financial accounting and reporting IT knowledge Professional skills expected of audit professionals

17 International Education Standard 8 Practical Experience Requirements: Substantial proportion of practical experience in the area of audit of historical financial information Usually 3 years in total, of which 2 years in audit of historical financial information Can be gained before or after qualifying as professional accountant Experience must be gained under guidance of an engagement partner

18 Issues in IES8 International Education Standard 8 Significant judgement (all auditors) Audit professional (eg the problems in France) Overlab of IES8 with ISA s Education and development program (a big list) Advanced level Transnationals audits

19 More information IFAC s web site provides access to all standards and a wide range of free guidance for the world s s accountants. Education publications can be found at: